Make the complex simple
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EmailSImplifying things is a wonderful choice, but sometime it is easier said than done.
Simplifying things can be very difficult, but it’s almost always absolutely necessary. Apple Computer founder Steve Jobs has been quoted as saying, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” At first, the solution to most problems seems very simple, but according to Michigan State University Extension, the more we understand the problem, the more complicated everything becomes. Soon we’ve brainstormed all kinds of convoluted and complicated solutions that get implemented and ultimately create more work without effectively addressing the original issue.
At this point in the process, when we’ve come up with complicated solutions and created extra forms making it seem like the middle of the process all over. Steve Jobs also said that, “This is the middle and that’s where most people stop, but the really great leader will keep on going and find the key, the underlying principle of the problem, and come up with an elegant, really beautiful solution that is simple and works.”
As a part of MSU Extension, it is easy to hide behind our own complexity. Unfortunately, this can lead to missed opportunities. How many people have we missed serving because our systems were too complex? How many partnerships have been missed because our methods were overly complicated? How many missed relationships resulted because it was easier to hide behind our complexity instead of interacting with new people, organizations or communities? Whenever you are implementing or programming, go back over your final result. If it’s too complicated with too many steps, forms or processes, keep working until you can break through to real simplicity.
